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Alessi, a fascinating history of design icons

Alessi, a fascinating history of design icons

Author

Charlotte Red

04/26/2018

Can a kettle be a work of art? And how is it possible for a corkscrew to make us laugh? Everything will become clear when you discover the original designs of the Alessi brand. We will also introduce you to its fascinating history - from an Italian town straight to the salons of the world.

A brief overview of the history of the Alessi brand

The Alessi brand was established in 1921

The fascinating history of the Alessi brand deserves a brief reminder, although its tradition is definitely not the shortest. It all began almost a century ago. In 1921, Giovanni Alessi opened a handicraft workshop - a business that was small but renowned for its solid craftsmanship. His innovations were appreciated, so soon afterwards he opened the Crusinallo company, which was based in Milan. His son Carlo became the lead designer. It was mainly thanks to his original ideas that the family business soared to great heights, bringing the owners high profits and enormous popularity. In the 1970s, the company was taken over by another of the family - Alberto, Carlo's son. In time, they were also joined by outside designers, who continue to nurture the success of the Alessi brand today.

Alessi brand history of the LA Conica brewer
Alessi brand history of the LA Conica brewer
La Conica Coffee and espresso brewers 150 ml

$419.51

La Conica Coffee and espresso brewers 150 ml

Officina Alessi

2 variants

Colombina Tray 51 cm silver

$202.93

Colombina Tray 51 cm silver

Alessi

1 variant

Alessi today...

Today, Alessi is a company recognised almost all over the world. Its products are entering designer salons in great style, pleasing lovers of good taste. The brand's mission is to reconcile art and industry.

In the Alessi workshops, the best designers give everyday objects a unique character - thanks to interesting, often daring solutions and design excellence. During a century of activity, Alessi has gathered the most outstanding designers around it, earning it the name of a premium brand.

In the limelight of famous designers

Philippe Starck, Alessandro Mendini, Stefano Giovannoni, Aldo Rossi, Richard Sapper, as well as Jasper Morrison and Marcel Wanders, among others, have worked with Alessi. Their common goal was and is to create things that are unique yet useful - objects that surprise, bring out memories and break patterns.
YouTube video thumbnail: OkPHVTQrpRI

Alessi product lines

Despite its huge success, Alessi does not focus only on exclusive proposals aimed at the wealthiest customers. The priority of the brand's founders from the beginning was to reach the widest possible audience.

It is not without reason that it has become known as the Dream Factory. It is not without reason that the brand was named the Dream Factory, a company that wants to make people's dreams come true through its activities. To meet the needs of all those with a passion for beauty, regardless of the size of their wallets, Alessi has developed a range of lines. Let's explore all of them:

Officina Alessi

Officina Alessi is the oldest line of the brand, aimed at all those who wish to live more beautifully. The proposals of this series are top-of-the-range pieces created by world-class designers. Thought through to the last detail, limited, even collectible. They are characterised by excellent quality and craftsmanship. The products that bear the Officina logo have been created using only the highest quality raw materials - stainless steel, copper, wood and porcelain.

Officina Alessi is the most exclusive and innovative line of the Alessi brand.

Marvel at the unique Il Conico kettle by Aldo Rossi. It is one of the brand's most recognisable designs. Its shape is simple yet remarkably original. Since 1986, it has captivated with its style and functionality.

We would also like to introduce you to an innovative and somewhat dark piece designed by the British architect Zaha Hadid. The Niche platter resembles a black, crumpled piece of paper. It definitely stands out from the rest of the brand's proposals, which are rather light and cheerful. Perfect proof that beauty has more than one name!

Everything about this line delights us, even... the coffee spo ons, especially the beautiful, tiny espresso spoons. These designer designs will create a stir in any kitchen!

Pito Kettle

$699.19

Pito Kettle

Officina Alessi

Dispatch within 2 working days

Il Conico Kettle

$342.76

Il Conico Kettle

Officina Alessi

Dispatch within 2 working days

La Conica Coffee and espresso brewers

$419.51

La Conica Coffee and espresso brewers

Officina Alessi

2 variants

Scoiattolo Nutcracker

$181.79

Scoiattolo Nutcracker

Officina Alessi

Dispatch within 2 working days

Melodic Kettle

$391.54

Melodic Kettle

Officina Alessi

shipping in 24 h

Alessi CO1369 Toothpick dispenser

$258.86

Alessi CO1369 Toothpick dispenser

Officina Alessi

Dispatch within 2 working days

La Cintura Di Orione Cast iron roasting pan

$335.61

La Cintura Di Orione Cast iron roasting pan

Officina Alessi

Dispatch within 15 working days

Max Le Chinois Colander

$552.52

Max Le Chinois Colander

Officina Alessi

Dispatch within 15 working days

Melodic Officina Alessi kettle
Niche platter Officina Alessi
Melodic Officina Alessi kettle
Niche platter Officina Alessi

Alessi

In this line, we find proposals that are slightly more expensive, yet more unique. Alessi combines noble materials and the latest technology. Glass, ceramics, wood and crystal go hand in hand here with electricity and electronics. The Alessi line is made up of modern objects that nevertheless have an artisanal soul.

Just look at the 9093 kettle by Michael Graves. It is a product that has sold a record number of units in the company's entire history. Even though it has been on the market for more than thirty years, it still enchants today with its original design.

Colombina Collection

At this point, we could not leave out the delightful Colombina series, created by the talented designer couple Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas. This includes triangular plates, whose minimalist form is exquisitely combined with striking colour. It fits perfectly into modern, slightly austere interiors.

Colombina Placemat

$83.90

Colombina Placemat

Alessi

1 variant

Colombina Dinnerplate

$53.33

Colombina Dinnerplate

Alessi

shipping in 24 h

Colombina Dessert plate

$36.42

Colombina Dessert plate

Alessi

Dispatch within 15 working days

Dressed

The Dressed collection, designed by Marcel Wanders, is a collection of porcelain and wooden accessories, decorated in an unusual way. The decorations are mostly convex and sometimes hidden from the user's view. This gives the products a mysterious character and a somewhat baroque splendour, providing an unusual aesthetic experience.

Dressed Egg cup with a spoon

$49.11

Dressed Egg cup with a spoon

Alessi

1 variant

Dressed Egg Spoons 2 pcs

$54.63

Dressed Egg Spoons 2 pcs

Alessi

Dispatch within 15 working days

Dressed Butter dish

$105.04

Dressed Butter dish

Alessi

shipping in 24 h

Dressed Round cover for pate and cheese board round

$105.04

Dressed Round cover for pate and cheese board round

Alessi

Dispatch within 15 working days

Dressed Alessi plate
Colombina platter tray Alessi
Dressed Alessi plate
Colombina platter tray Alessi

Circus

The fabulously colourful Circus collection is a real treat for fans of vivid colours, geometric shapes and a somewhat mystical atmosphere straight from the circus arena. The original plates, bowls and ice buckets bring plenty of colour and fun into the kitchen. Introducing the stars of the Alessi circus!

Circus Kitchen container

$60.16

Circus Kitchen container

Alessi

4 variants

Circus Jars 2 pcs

$53.33

Circus Jars 2 pcs

Alessi

Dispatch within 2 working days

Circus Cans 3 pcs

$105.04

Circus Cans 3 pcs

Alessi

Dispatch within 2 working days

Dressed Alessi plate
Colombina platter tray Alessi
Circus Alessi collection
Dressed Alessi plate
Colombina platter tray Alessi
Circus Alessi collection

A di Alessi

A di Alessi is a line dedicated to those who dream of good style at a moderate price. It includes items for the kitchen, dining room, as well as the bathroom. There are also colourful figurines and ornaments to liven up any interior. The products are made of steel, porcelain and coloured plastic. A di Alessi combines both simple forms and imaginative and playful designs. Just take a look at the Mr. Suicide bath stopper, for example - "pendant" humour that entertains to tears!

The Anna G corkscrew is an iconic design, a true work of art by Alessandro Mendini. The figure of the girl dressed in a colourful dress was created in 1994 and still delights customers who appreciate original design.

Moka espresso brewer A di Alessi
Magic Bunny toothpick dispenser
Moka espresso brewer A di Alessi
Magic Bunny toothpick dispenser

Girotondo collection

The originalGirotondo collection is also particularly eye-catching. It features the characteristic motif of a geometric man, which immediately snags your attention. The products in this series are another brilliant example of Italian fantasy.

Mini Girotondo Bar coaster

$27.97

Mini Girotondo Bar coaster

A di Alessi

2 variants

Girotondo Envelope rack

$77.07

Girotondo Envelope rack

A di Alessi

Dispatch within 15 working days

Girotondo Kitchen container

$60.16

Girotondo Kitchen container

A di Alessi

4 variants

Girotondo Napkin holder

$63.09

Girotondo Napkin holder

A di Alessi

Dispatch within 15 working days

What is the secret to the success of the Alessi brand? Maybe it's Italian optimism and imagination? Or perhaps a love of tradition combined with the power of innovation? Giovanni Alessi certainly knew how to create things of beauty and uniqueness that are still making waves in the design world today.

Innovative solutions

The Alessi brand has always focused on originality. It was the first to launch products made of plastic, stereotypically associated with kitsch. Then came glass, metal and even artificial marble - each idea was a hit. We wonder what else she will surprise us with!
 
Moka espresso brewer A di Alessi
Magic Bunny toothpick dispenser
Girotondo lamp A di Alessi
Moka espresso brewer A di Alessi
Magic Bunny toothpick dispenser
Girotondo lamp A di Alessi
Charlotte Red
C
Charlotte Red
A marketer by education, she's an artistic soul with a writing bent. In FA Magazine, she covers lifestyle topics. Personally, she's a mother to Emily, whose room remains her interior design playground.